Boeing Urges Suppliers to Abandon 'Craftsman' Methods for Automation

Boeing Co. is directing its suppliers to transition from traditional, manual manufacturing to modern, automated processes as the company aims to ramp up aircraft production, a top executive said Wednesday.

The push is part of a broader effort to overcome production bottlenecks and meet the soaring demand that has created large order backlogs for both Boeing and its primary competitor, Airbus SE.

A Push for Modernization

Speaking at an industry event, Boeing Chief Technology Officer Lane Ballard emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in manufacturing philosophy across the aerospace sector.

"Aerospace used to be a craftsman business, hand-built, hand riveting," Ballard said. "Now we're going to higher levels of automation, higher levels of repeatability, and we not only need to have us doing it, but our suppliers need to be versed in autonomy."

Ballard stressed that suppliers "need to understand we've got to move away from craftsman thinking" to achieve the production volumes the market requires.

Production Goals and Challenges

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The call for automation comes as Boeing works to stabilize and increase output, particularly for its 737 Max jetliner. Last week, Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg stated the company needs more time to steady its 737 production at a rate of 47 planes per month, citing challenges with in-house wing production.

Despite current hurdles, Ortberg expressed confidence that the supply chain is in "pretty good shape" to support higher rates next year. The long-term demand is significant, with Ballard noting that the industry is projected to need approximately 40,000 new commercial airplanes over the next two decades.

Shifting Skill Requirements

This industrial transformation also requires a change in the engineering workforce. Ballard highlighted a growing need for engineers with expertise in software, artificial intelligence, and rapid design-to-manufacturing processes.

"You think about an engineer of the past, they would think about that beautiful wing in flight," he said. "Now, we have to think about a beautiful wing in flight, able to be built at rates that weren't heard of just 20 years ago."